Sunderland have received a major boost following the news Kenwyne Jones will be fit for the end of season run-in.
It was initially feared the Trinidad striker would be out for a month and could even miss the rest of the season after he limped out of last weekend's 1-1 draw with Manchester City with a groin problem.
But scans in midweek have revealed there is no lasting damage and, while Jones is struggling to be fit for Saturday's home game against Birmingham, he is set to be available for the remainder of the campaign.
Boss Steve Bruce told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "Kenwyne's had a scan and, thankfully, the damage isn't as bad as we first feared.
"It's too early to say whether he will make Saturday's game, but we will keep an eye on him, give him all the treatment we can and keep our fingers crossed."